Boeing laser demonstrator proved in maritime environment

Boeing’s High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator (HEL MD) has proved its capabilities in maritime conditions during demonstrations with the US Army that saw the system successfully target a variety of aerial targets.

The demonstration, conducted at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, HEL MD used a 10-kilowatt, high energy laser installed on an Oshkosh tactical military vehicle. The demonstrator is the first mobile, high-energy laser, counter rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) platform to be built and demonstrated by the US Army.

Dave DeYoung, directed energy systems director, Boeing, said: ‘Under windy, rainy and foggy weather conditions in Florida, these engagements were the most challenging to date with a 10-kilowatt laser on HEL MD. As proven at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico in 2013 and at Eglin Air Force Base this spring, HEL MD is reliable and capable of consistently acquiring, tracking and engaging a variety of targets in different environments, demonstrating the potential military utility of directed energy systems.’

Boeing has achieved all performance objectives on schedule throughout the two series of demonstrations, successfully engaging more than 150 aerial targets including 60 mm mortars and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Work will now proceed to install a 50 or 60-kilowatt laser on HEL MD to demonstrate counter RAM and UAV capability at this tactically significant power level.

DeYoung added: ‘With capabilities like HEL MD, Boeing is demonstrating that directed energy technologies can augment existing kinetic strike weapons and offer a significant reduction in cost per engagement. With only the cost of diesel fuel, the laser system can fire repeatedly without expending valuable munitions or additional manpower.’